I Sing the Body Electric! (1969) is a lyrical and haunting collection of 18 short stories by Ray Bradbury, the celebrated master of poetic science fiction and fantasy. The title story—inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem—explores themes of love, loss, and artificial humanity through the tale of an electric grandmother purchased by grieving children to replace their deceased mother. As always, Bradbury’s prose shimmers with nostalgia, wonder, and a touch of melancholy, blending the familiar with the fantastical.
Other standout tales include:
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“The Kilimanjaro Device”: A time-traveling encounter with Ernest Hemingway’s ghost, questioning fate and legacy.
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“The Terrible Conflagration Up at the Place”: A darkly comedic rebellion against aristocracy, where revolutionaries politely debate burning down a manor.
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“Night Call, Collect”: A chilling story of the last man on Mars, tormented by echoes of his past.
Bradbury’s signature magical realism and mid-century Americana shine throughout, whether he’s writing about sentient house-cleaning moths, small-town ghosts, or astronauts confronting cosmic loneliness. The collection balances whimsy and dread, showcasing his unparalleled ability to find the extraordinary in the everyday.
A must-read for fans of The Martian Chronicles or The Illustrated Man, this anthology captures Bradbury at his most evocative and imaginative.
